The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, officially inaugurated the 3rd NRM Canada Chapter Symposium at the Ottawa Conference and Events Centre , emphasizing the role of the diaspora in shaping Uganda’s future.
Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, presided over the opening of the 3rd NRM Canada Chapter Symposium at the Ottawa Conference and Events Centre.
Accompanied by prominent Ugandan government figures, including Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, and Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Nakadama’s address underscored the importance of the diaspora in fostering Uganda’s economic growth.
The symposium aimed to mobilize Ugandans living in Canada to actively participate in the transformation of their home country. Rt. Hon. Nakadama highlighted that increased remittances, tourism, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) would help Uganda achieve its ambitious Vision 2040 goals. “Your contributions can significantly impact Uganda’s economic trajectory,” she noted, calling upon the diaspora community to rally behind the country’s development agenda.
She also addressed the growing concerns over political misrepresentation abroad, assuring the diaspora that the NRM government is committed to supporting Ugandans living abroad. “We encourage you to counter the defamation spread by negative political elements. We are ready to work with every Ugandan, regardless of their political affiliation,” she said.
Nakadama also called upon Ugandans in the diaspora to continue their support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the country gears up for the 2026 elections. “Let’s unite in ensuring the continuity of the NRM’s leadership and vision,” she urged.
The event, organized by the NRM Canada Chapter, was hailed as a key initiative in maintaining strong ties between Uganda and its diaspora communities. The minister expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for his unwavering support for the symposium and lauded his commitment to fostering closer ties with Ugandans abroad.
As Uganda positions itself for a more prosperous future, events like this symposium demonstrate the critical role that the diaspora can play in driving the nation’s development agenda.
